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9 top tips for driving in Britain

If you are used to driving on the right, driving on the left is less daunting than you might imagine. Driving in Britain will open up a whole new series of possibilities as you will be able to explore off the beaten track and not have to rely on public transportation to explore Britain.

Thousands of visitors each year enjoy driving in Britain happily and safely. Follow our driving tips to make sure you are ready to navigate Britain’s roads.

1. Watch your speed

All of our speed limits in the UK are in mph not km/h. The national speed limit for cars and motorcycles is 70 mph (110 km/h). If you’re towing a trailer or caravan the speed limit is reduced to 60 mph (95km/h). This also applies for vehicles over 3.05 tonnes.

2. Don’t use your phone

There are strict laws in the UK when it comes to using your phone while driving. You must not have your phone in your hands when you are driving, even if you are stationary in traffic or at a stop light.

You can use hands-free systems as long as you don’t your phone in your hands whilst using it. If you are deemed to be distracted while using hands free while driving, you can still be prosecuted.

3. Don’t drink and drive

There are strict laws regarding driving whilst under the influence of alcohol in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland this limit is 80 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. In Scotland the limit is only 50 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

Alcohol affects people differently, so it might be best to not to drink any alcohol at all if you’re going to drive.

4. Remember to pay for tolls

If you are driving in Britain it’s more than likely that you will come across a toll road. Toll roads are roads or areas that you have to pay to use. The busiest tolls are the London Congestion Zone and the Dartford River Crossing on the M25.

Not all toll roads accept cash. For example, you’ll have to pay the Congestion Charge online. The same applies for the Dartford Crossing. It’s important to plan your trip beforehand to see if you’ll need to use any toll roads and how you can pay for them.

5. Make sure you have vehicle insurance

In Britain it is compulsory for all vehicles to have a minimum of third party insurance. This means that if you are in an accident your insurance will cover any damage you cause.

Take out comprehensive motor insurance before you start driving, if you are in an accident this type of insurance will cover any costs that you may incur such as damage to your vehicle.

6. Know how to navigate a roundabout

Roundabouts are extremely common in Britain, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with them before you start driving so you don’t get caught out when you come to one.

Traffic always flows in a clockwise direction around roundabouts. You always give way to the traffic approaching from the right, unless you directed to do otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights. Make sure you pay attention to road markings as well so you are in the correct lane for your exit.

7. Stop if you have an accident

If you have an accident while driving in Britain, you must stop if there is damage to another vehicle, or if an animal or a person is injured. You must stay at the scene of the accident for a reasonable amount of time as well. If anyone with reasonable grounds to do so requests your personal details such as name, address or insurance details you must provide them

8. Remember to put your helmet on

All riders and passengers of motorcycles, scooters or mopeds must wear a safety helmet when driving in Britain.

Your helmet must be of an approved design and must be manufactured to a stand similar to the British Standards.

9. Always buckle up

In Britain wearing seatbelts in a vehicle is mandatory. Driver and pass must be worn at all times by every person in the car if a seatbelt is fitted, this includes both front and rear passengers.

Children travelling in cars in the UK must use the appropriate child seat or restraint. This applied to children up to the age of 11 and is defined by their age and height.